Description

Cyclocross and Belgium go hand-in-hand. And with a host of World's and national titles to its name, the country continues to develop some of the best cyclocross bicycles in the world. The Ridley X-Fire/Shimano Ultegra Disc Complete Bike is right at the top of the list, as its innovative frame design, disc brakes, and reliable build kit has made it Ridley's number one selling CX machine.

Ridley's X-Fire Disc complete bike features a frame that's been constructed from 24-ton carbon fiber and a full-carbon 4ZA Oryx fork. To manage the load forces from the new disc brake, 4ZA now uses a reinforced lower-leg design. This is beneficial in three ways. First, the massive legs guarantee that you won't experience any lurching or torsion from the caliper. Additionally, the larger blades aid in absorbing any chatter, vibration, or shock from nasty terrain. And last, the 1-1/8 x 1-1/2in, oversized design provides unparalleled rigidity. Coupled with the massive head tube juncture, the Oryx fork provides nimble handling and an explosive sprinting prowess -- perfect for the short spurts of power required after barriers.

And while the newly redesigned fork is amazing, the frame construction and new features bring just as much to the table. For the carbon itself, the 'T' in 24t stands for ton -- meaning that the X-Fire's carbon is capable of withstanding 24 tons of pressure per square inch. This level of strength might sound weighty, but the opposite is actually true. Ridley knows that with stronger carbon, less is required to receive greater results. Accordingly, this application sheds weight while increasing torsional and lateral rigidity. Aside from carbon, Ridley's decades of 'cross experience bred a few frame features that you'll be happy to have when you're running in the mud. For one, the X-Fire has a squared top and down tube for a heightened sense of comfort and grip when you're shouldering the frame. In turn, this feature also stiffens the bottom bracket juncture for greater power efficiency. For added protection from the elements, and for unencumbered dis/re-mounts, Ridley incorporated internal cable routing for the shift cables and the rear brake line. Ridley even designed the fork shape to shed excess dirt and mud.

Of course, the real stars of the show are the X-Fire's mechanical disc brakes. Hayes CX-5 calipers and 160/140mm rotors provide the best stopping power and braking modulation on the market. After all, cantilevers have never been regarded as the 'ultimate' in power or efficiency, and frankly, we're surprised that it's taken this long to witness the shift. Now, the frame has increased mud clearances, and braking is no longer reduced in inclement weather. Also new for the X-Fire is a 135mm rear spacing. So now, you're able to keep your 29er wheelset in the pits as an easy backup or change-out option.

If you're able to think of it, Ridley has already done it. The X-Fire Disc is the culmination of a long list of Ridley innovations -- the first full-carbon cyclocross frame, the first oversized carbon cross fork, and the first 1-1/8 x 1-1/2in cyclocross head tube. It also plays host to a generous component package. For the shift/brake levers and rear derailleur, the X-Fire uses the impeccable Shimano Ultegra 6700. The drivetrain is driven by a Shimano CX70 46/36t crankset and a Shimano 105 chain, 12/28t cassette, and front derailleur. Ridley's proprietary 4ZA Cirrus cockpit componentry was applied throughout, making up the stem, handlebar, and seatpost. You rest on a Prologo ZERO II saddle, and roll on a Velocity 24-hole Disc wheelset that's been cased in Challenge Grifo tires. As you're able to tell, the X-Fire Disc is ready for the dirt right out of the box.

The Ridley X-Fire/Shimano Ultegra Disc Complete Bike is available in the color Black/white and in seven sizes from 41cm to 58cm.

Have an answer for Kathleen Fitzsimmons?

Press fit bottom bracket sucks

Gender:
Male

Ater 3+ months the bottowm bracket starts to creak. I had a LBS regrease the BB. It start creaking again after 8 miles. I called CC, and was told it's a know issue. You guys didn't tell me that when I bought the bike. I'd been a customer of CC for a long time and bought 5 new bikes from you over the years, the least you can do is warn me. I am not a happy customer with this purchase.

Have an answer for jas2635676?

What is the exact wheelset that comes with...

What is the exact wheelset that comes with this bike? It says 24 hole velocity wheel set, and one of the reviews says they are the A23s. There are many types of A23s and none that I have found with a 24 hole set up. Can someone pin point which exact wheelset comes with this set up?

My wife is 5'3", would the 41cm work for...

It is going to be a little hard to pinpoint what size your wife should ride with just her overall height. Maybe chat in or give us a call so that we can get some more details about your wife. We would hate to give some bad advise that would result in a $1,900+ bad investment.

I'm 5'11, would a 56cm frame be too...

I am going to assume the 56cm could be about right for you but I have a feeling it will likely be on the upper end of what will fit best. We could probably used a little more info to really narrow down that fit you if you wanted to chat in or give us a call we could put you with one of our bike experts so that we can be sure.

I received the 52cm frame on 4/25 and everything seemed to fit fine, but it appears I have an issue with foot clearance.

When turning the front wheel, my size 12 1/2 shoe gets in the way. I've adjusted my cleats as far forward as possible, but with minimal improvement, I'm looking for possible solutions, but if I'm unable to resolve the clearance issue, I'm going to return the bike and exchange it for another bike.

I bought a 50cm this year and have the same problem with my shoe clearance... and I wear a size 10. Is this normal? This is my first Cyclocross bike. I'v always mountain biked. Other than the foot clearance, I love the bike.

I kept this bike and have loved every ride since the purchase. I should have consulted the Sheldon Brown archives for the best answer about, "toe clip overlap!" Below is his overview of overlap,

"On many bicycles, especially those with smaller frames and full-sized wheels, it is possible for the front fender or tire to bump into the rider's toe or to the toe clip. Some people worry a lot about this, but it is rarely a significant problem in practice.

The only time it can happen is when the handlebars are turned quite far to the side, as only happens at very low speeds.

Many, many people ride bicycles with fairly severe overlap with no practical problems, sometimes having to make a slight adjustment to their pedaling habits at very slow speeds.

On smaller-size bikes with full-sized wheels, it is usually impossible to eliminate overlap without causing adverse fit/handling issues. "

Have an answer for Cokid25?

Awesome

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

This is the second bike I have purchased from CC, the first being a Pinarello Paris in 2007. Both purchases have exceeded my expectations. This bike is a great fit right out of the box. The carbon frame shows itself well underneath the glossy black paint, and the world championship graphics, that are really hard to see in the CC images, give the paint job a splashy punch. The first ride over both pavement and gravel roads exceeded expectations on ride quality, due mainly to the carbon frame. The Shimano Ultegra group set is one of the best in the business, adding to the unbelievable value of this bike. I have no hesitation recommending this bike!

Comment on Craig A Rhodes's review:

Exceeded Expectations

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

This was a Christmas gift from my wifey...best. gift. ever. So far I haven't done much down and dirty dirt riding, but rolling on some Conti 4 Season 28's, this bike has become my go to commuter & training companion. It is soooo smooooth, the carbon fork and frame just suck the crap our of bad pavement and small potholes. It will be a dream on course. The Hayes discs are awesome so far...much quieter than Avid's BB7's. Shifting is all solid Shimano components. The only "upgrade" I made was to put on some Lizard Skin DSP tape to suck some of the vibe out of the aluminum bars. Not sure if I feel safe upgrading them to carbon, but I think it would make it even more plush. The wheels ARE NOT Reynolds Solitude as listed. They are Velocity A23's, but not sure of the build level. They seem bomber so far, and the rear hub is very loud. Not a concern for me, in fact, free-wheeling is almost as good as a bell for getting oblivious dog walkers to MTF Over. I can't wait to cover it in mud, blood, sweat and beer!

Comment on seattleleaf's review:

Bike ENVY

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

This is my first bike and I have been so pleased with it! It's a smooth ride on the pavement and handles off road well too. I took it into the shop after my first month of riding just to have it checked out, and all the bike techs in the store stopped to come over and check it out! Sweet ride! Thanks again for your great customer service!

Comment on carp917988's review:

Stiff

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Upgraded from a steel cross bike, and was blown away by the upgrade. Maybe an unfair comparison but out of the saddle efforts are radically different. The disc brakes and Velocity wheels are solid. Overall am very happy with the package and have made no changes.